Indian-fig (Opuntia ficus-indica, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 2 (1768))

Family: Cactaceae

Author: (L.) Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 2 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Opuntia

Vegetable: True

Observations: Mexico

Description

The Indian-fig, scientifically known as Opuntia ficus-indica, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Cactaceae family. This remarkable species, which traces its origins to Mexico, has captivated botanists and enthusiasts alike since it was first described in the eighth edition of the Gard. Dict. in 1768 by the renowned botanist Philip Miller.

Opuntia ficus-indica is a prime example of a plant that has adapted superbly to arid and semi-arid environments. Characterized by its flat, paddle-like cladodes (commonly referred to as pads) that can grow to impressive sizes, this cactus has become synonymous with resilience. The pads themselves are not only drought-resistant but also serve multiple uses; they are often cooked and eaten as a vegetable and sometimes even used as fodder for livestock in arid regions due to their high water content.

Another noteworthy feature of the Indian-fig is its vibrant and edible fruits, commonly known as prickly pears. These fruits, which can vary in color from yellow to deep red, are encased in a thick skin dotted with glochids, which are tiny, hair-like spines that require careful handling. The pulp of the prickly pear is juicy and sweet, providing a delightful treat that can be consumed fresh or used in a variety of culinary applications such as jellies, juices, and even alcoholic beverages.

Besides its nutritional value, Opuntia ficus-indica has been employed in traditional medicine for centuries. Indigenous peoples have utilized various parts of the plant to treat numerous ailments, including inflammation, wounds, and digestive issues. Modern scientific research is beginning to validate some of these traditional uses, highlighting the plant’s potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

From an ecological viewpoint, the Indian-fig plays a vital role in its native habitat. It provides food and habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and other small animals. Additionally, due to its ability to grow in poor soils, it is often used in land reclamation projects and erosion control, contributing to environmental sustainability.

In summary, the Indian-fig, or Opuntia ficus-indica, is much more than a typical cactus. It is a symbol of sustenance and survival, revered for its versatility and resilience. From its historical roots in Mexico to its modern-day applications, this plant continues to be cherished by many, serving as a testament to the incredible adaptability and utility of nature’s creations.

Common Names

Mlt: bajtar ta’ gindja, bajtar tax-xewk, franċiż, ingliż, isfar
Eng: barbary fig, barbary-fig, indian-fig, indian-fig prickly-pear, mission cactus, tuberous prickly pear, tuna mansa, mission prickly-pear, prickly-pear, smooth mountain prickly-pear, smooth prickly-pear, spineless cactus, sweet prickly-pear, tuberous prickly-pear, tuna cactus, sweet pickle, indian fig, prickly pear
Deu: feigenkaktus, gewöhnlicher feigenkaktus
Ita: fico d’india
Fra: figuier de barbarie, figuier d’inde
Tur: frenk inciri
Spa: nopal de castilla, chumba, chumbera, figueira-da-índia, higuera, higuera chumba, nopal, nopal pelón, tuna, tuna de castilla, tuna mansa
Afr: boereturksvy, grootdoringturksvy
Por: figo-da-espanha, figo-da-índia, figueira-da-barbária, figueira-da-índia, jamaracá, jurumbeba, orelha-de-onça, palma, palma-de-gado, palma-gigante, palmatória
Swe: fikonkaktus
Ell: fragkosykia, papoutsosytzia
En: Indian-fig, Indian-fig prickly-pear, Mission cactus, Mission prickly-pear, Smooth mountain prickly-pear, Smooth prickly-pear, Tuna cactus, Barbary-fig, Spineless cactus, Sweet prickly-pear, Prickly-pear, Tuberous prickly-pear, Barbary fig, Idolofiya, Indian-fig pricklypear, Chumbero, Indian Fig, Taknarit, Indian Fig Cactus, Prickly Pear Cactus, Tuberous Prickly Pear, Tuna Mansa, Sweet Pickle, Prickly pear, Indian Pear, Argentine pricklypear
Af: Boereturksvy, Grootdoringturksvy, Turksvy
Sq: Fiku i detit
Am: ቁልቋል
Ar: صبير التين الهندي
Eu: Indipikondo
Ca: Figuera de moro
Zh: 食用仙人掌
Co: Fica d’India
Hr: Indijska smokva
Cs: Nopál obecný
Fi: Viikunaopuntia
Fr: Figuier d’Inde, Figuier de Barbarie, Nopal, Raquette, Oponce figuier de Barbarie, Chardon d inde, Common pricklypear, Elephantear pricklypear, Figue de barbarie, Figuier à raquettes, Opunce
Gl: Chumbeira
De: Feigenkaktus, Gewöhnlicher Feigenkaktus, Echter Feigenkaktus, Frucht des feigenkactus, Indianische feige
El: Φραγκοσυκιά, Fragkosykia, Papoutsosytzia
Ha: Takalmin makka
He: צבר מצוי
Hu: Közönséges fügekaktusz
It: Fico d’india
Rw: Ikimungu
Ko: 보검선인장
Lt: Figavaisė opuncija
Mk: Индиска смоква
Mt: Bajtar ta’ Gindja, Bajtar tax-xewk, Franċiż, Ingliż, Isfar
No: Fikenkaktus, Kaktusfiken
Oc: Figuièr de Barbariá
Fa: اپونیتا فیکوس ایندیکا
Pl: Opuncja figowa
Pt: Figo-da-Índia, Figo-da-Espanha, Figueira-da-Barbária, Jamaracá, Jurumbeba, Palma-de-gado, Palma-gigante, Orelha-de-onça, Palmatória, Palma, Figueira-da-índia, Figo da india, Figo de pitoira, Figueira da india, Palmatoria sem espinhos, Tabaido
Qu: Tuna waraqu
Ru: Опунция индийская
Sc: Figu morisca
Sr: Опунција
Sn: Mudorofia, Munanazi
Es: Chumba, Chumbera, Tuna, Tuna de Castilla, Tuna mansa, Higuera, Nopal de Castilla, Nopal pelón, Higuera de Chumbo, Higuera de Pala, Nopal, Penca, Higo chumbo, Tuna de España, Figueira-da-índia, Higuera chumba, Palera, Chumbo, Cardón de México, Chumbua, Figuera de moro, Higo México, Higo chimbo, Higo de pala, Tpa culo, Tuna española, Tuna real
Sv: Fikonkaktus
Zh-tw: 食用仙人掌
Te: భారతీయ నాగ జెముడు
Tr: Hint inciri, Frenk inciri

Synonyms

• Opuntia arcei (Cárdenas)
• Opuntia fusicaulis (Griffiths)
• Opuntia mexicana (Pfeiff.)
• Opuntia opuntia ((L.) H.Karst.)
• Opuntia undosa (Griffiths)
• Opuntia apurimacensis ((F.Ritter) R.Crook & Mottram)
• Opuntia ficus-indica f. reticulata (Backeb.)
• Opuntia leucostata (J.Forbes)
• Platyopuntia apurimacensis (F.Ritter)
• Opuntia cordobensis (Speg.)
• Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten (Makino)
• Opuntia castillae (Griffiths)
• Platyopuntia vulgaris ((Mill.) F.Ritter)
• Cactus ficus-indica (L.)
• Cactus chinensis (Roxb.)
• Cactus ficus (Thunb.)
• Cactus opuntia var. latifolius (Risso)
• Opuntia vulgaris (Mill.)
• Opuntia obovata (Griffiths)
• Cactus opuntia var. ficus-indica ((L.) DC.)
• Opuntia paraguayensis (K.Schum.)
• Cactus opuntia var. vulgaris ((Mill.) DC.)
• Opuntia tribuloides (Griffiths)
• Opuntia megacantha (Salm-Dyck)
• Opuntia megacantha var. tenuispina (Salm-Dyck)
• Platyopuntia ficus-indica ((L.) F.Ritter)
• Opuntia tuna-blanca (Speg.)
• Platyopuntia cordobensis ((Speg.) F.Ritter)
• Opuntia ficus-indica var. elongata (Schelle)
• Opuntia compressa (J.F.Macbr.)
• Opuntia chinensis ((Roxb.) K.Koch)
• Opuntia incarnadilla (Griffiths)
• Opuntia leiascheinvariana (Martínez-Gonz. & Gallegos)
• Opuntia leucosticta (H.L.Wendl.)
• Opuntia robusta var. megacantha ((Salm-Dyck) Schelle)
• Opuntia undulata (Griffiths)
• Cactus opuntia (Guss.)
• Cactus compressus (Salisb.)
• Opuntia joconostle (F.A.C.Weber ex Diguet)

Distribution

• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Albania (introduced)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Cyprus (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Eritrea (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Gambia (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Iraq (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Kriti (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Lebanon-Syria (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Lesotho (introduced)
• Libya (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Palestine (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Rwanda (introduced)
• Saudi Arabia (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Tibet (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Turkey (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Sahara (introduced)
• Yemen (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Sep 14, 2018 by Alena Tereshchenko (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2019 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2019 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2016 by Bernard Sudan (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Nelson Gb (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2019 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 4, 2021 by Karel Dvořáček (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2018 by gianni del bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 27, 2021 by Gutiérrez Brenda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2021 by diviu mercedes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2018 by gianni del bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 27, 2021 by Le Thuaut Alexandre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2020 by tallel kouadria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2020 by Pokotilo Olga (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jul 16, 2017 by Gerard Voiland (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 15, 2017 by Pablo Otero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by gianni del bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by gianni del bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by gianni del bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1151735-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384064)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.)

Specifications

Growth form: Multiple Stem

Growth habit: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Soil nutriments: 6

Soil salinity: 1